Time to put the elf costume away

My brother in elfin garb plays Vanna White for the spread at my sister’s house

My most vivid memory of this holiday is sitting back from a pile of opened presents on my sister’s living room floor. Beams of sunlight are slanted through the picture window and match the smiles on everyone’s faces.

My brother-in-law punctuated the moment, “Oh my God. Look… Everyone’s (slight pause) … happy.”

No one replied, save for the slightly glazed and twinkling expressions. We were indeed happy.

Hours later, the party disbanded. I loaded up my loot and headed over to Heather’s parents house.

It was a surprise visit, and I hadn’t been there in over a year. Her parent’s are a kind, whacky, eccentric duo from a sitcom that never was. I sat at the kitchen island and joined in the eye-rolling banter over holiday meal preparation.

When it came time to decide what to do with the artichoke dip ingredients, I stepped up to figure out the food processor. After a countless (ok, seven) seven attempts, we met with success.

Went back to Heather’s place, quick-cleaned the living room and hung out with Dave and some friends watching Super Troopers and enjoyed more good tidings.

Today, I have a few more things to wrap up, but what I really want to do is assemble a K’nex Ferris Wheel.